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Why ‘being saved’ misses the point. Reflections on the US election

I’m sitting here on my couch writing at 5:30am the morning after Trump was elected President.

I’m not American. But I couldn’t sleep. Last Wednesday night I shared some thoughts on Facebook Live, but I feel like writing them, too.

Because, like many of us, I am feeling this very deeply. We are a global community and it’s hard to ignore the huge feeling of discontent around the world – leading to huge and often surprising electoral decisions which are leading to large-scale disruption of accepted global institutions.

The world is hurting. And we are seeing the ramifications. Sometimes it’s public and in our face (like the election), sometimes it’s going on quietly and no one is paying much attention – but the FEELING is the same: frustration and anger because things aren’t working anymore.

I’m also writing because I saw something yesterday on TV that I can’t get out of my head. There’re so many parallels with what I see in my work with women around food. Stick with me!

Here’s the image:

Lots of Americans yelling at the screen, “He’ll make America great again!” And interviews with people so thrilled that they’ve elected someone who is going to change their life.

It was confronting because all these peeps want to be saved. SURE – there are fundamental things wrong with the system in the US and people feel powerless to change the situation they have found themselves in.

Totally get that. But were they the same people who voted Obama in because they wanted – you guessed it – change?

We outsource outrage about our circumstances to the people in power. I’ve done it too. But it’s not particularly healthy.

We elect officials who make big promises about change (“please, save me”). Then we get disappointed. Because nothing changes.

Here’s why:

It’s us who are required to change. Change our thinking, our habits, how we show up in the world. Change our conversations, our life choices. Change our mindset about what is possible for us.

It might sound ridiculous and airy fairy – but the world – indeed AMERICA! – is full of examples of people changing their circumstances for the better. We all love those stories – because we know it’s possible for us too.

Trump is promising success stories for many, many people. And they want in.

Is it kind of like the diet industry? Which to me seems a perfect example of outsourcing our power. It’s so alluring to believe that someone else has the answers to make you a healthy, lean person. It’s beyond exciting that someone has a formula/shake/plan/superfood to help us make that happen in 8 weeks!

I get it, I do. So exciting.

But it never works. Because we haven’t changed how we think about ourselves. Our mindset is still the same. And the truth is – NO ONE can save us but ourselves.

Here’s the thing – women are super powerful change makers. And everyday in my work, I see women taking back control from the powers that be. They are digging deep to change habits around food for the health of their family. And they are up against monstrous corporations.

But they are giving the ‘establishment’ the middle finger as they take back their power and the control over what foods their family are eating.

“History … is a series of class struggles” (Oh wow – how I could bang on about the similarities of what’s going on right now and the predictions made by Karl Marx – the International Relations PhD student in me is holding back!!).

Basically – that quote means – institutions/ruling elites/monarchies keep people down long enough and they will rise up. I’m sick of being fed bullshit by food and beverage companies spending millions of dollars on marketing campaigns to convince me that their chemical laden products are healthy. I’m rising up.

Similarly, I’m sick of a health industry that often promotes a one-size-fits-all solution to some MAJOR health concerns that are far more complex than calories in and calories out. And a ‘wellness’ industry that is often divisive and contradictory.

FUCK THAT! (sorry mum)

THE PERFECT example of revolution are the women and mothers trawling the internet and their Facebook feeds and cookbooks for healthier meals to feed their family (um – that’s you if you are on my site!). Saying no to the status quo is hard. Creating change is hard. But it’s so much easier if it happens TOGETHER. That’s when the magic happens.

The real ‘power to the people’ is when we accept and embrace our overwhelming ability to rise as individuals first. I see you doing it. #imwithyou

At a time when we can feel overwhelmed by uncertainty and fear, I am choosing to create a home and life I love. It starts and ends with how I think, love and act.

All that is in my control.

“Make America Great Again” is actually just a slogan for “Make Yourself Great Again”. You are the change.

When we wait for someone else to save us, we will end up disappointed.

If you would like to join a group of change-making women on a positive path to improving their family’s wellbeing (by improving their own!), register your interest here. There is a different way forward. The world, our homes, and our hearts need it more than ever.

Lisa Corduff

Lisa Corduff inspires modern women to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, simpler life via her online programs, membership and podcast.
She has a perfectly imperfect life and is helping women all around the world to ditch the impossible standards, be kind to themselves and live life on their terms.

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About Lisa

Lisa Corduff inspires modern women to take small steps towards a healthier, happier, simpler life via her online programs, membership and podcast.
She has a perfectly imperfect life and is helping women all around the world to ditch the impossible standards, be kind to themselves and live life on their terms.